The Geocachers' Creed is designed to help orient new
players to the ethos of the geocaching community and to
guide experienced players in questionable situations, so
that everyone can enjoy geocaching!

Further Explanation: Following are examples of how to apply the Creed. These
are only examples and not part of the Creed - not every
contingency can be spelled out. If something is not
specifically listed in the examples, you should consider
the intent expressed in the main tenets in making a
decision.

A cache you own, or one you're trading out of,
could be found by children or even a prisoner work
crew - consider the location of the cache and those
likely to find it when deciding what to leave as a
trade item.

...Observe All Laws and Rules of the Area

Donít break the law or rules of an area, or
encourage others to do so, when placing or seeking a
cache.

Don't leave illegal items in a cache.

...Respect Property Rights and Seek Permission Where
Appropriate

Check if permission is required before placing a
cache on private property, and respect the
landowner's wishes.

Check if public land has a geocaching policy and
respect existing policies.

Promptly remove your cache if the land manager
or steward asks.

Do not damage, or interfere with the function
of, buildings, structures, or signage.

...Avoid Causing Disruptions or Public Alarm

Donít place a cache near schools or government
buildings unless the administration and staff are
fully aware of the placement.

Use caution where children play. Parents are
understandably concerned when strangers are near
their children.

Donít place a cache near critical infrastructure
that might be considered a terrorist target, or
create a cache that could be mistaken for a
terrorist device (e.g. a pipe bomb).

Only place caches you can maintain and respond
promptly to problem reports.

If you exchange trade items, trade kindly:
Consider what future finders would like and leave
something equal to or better than what you take.

If you place a traveling item into the game,
attach a tag that describes its goal, so that others
can help it along. If you pick up a traveling item
with a tag describing its goal, move the item toward
its goal if possible. Contact the owner if you hold
a traveling item for more than a couple of weeks or
so.

Obtain permission from the originator before
copying unique themes and techniques, adding to an
existing series of caches, or placing a cache close
to another.

...Protect the Integrity of the Game Pieces

The owner entrusts you to not damage or
jeopardize the cache. Try to ensure the cache is
ready for the next finder and is as good as or
better than you found it.

Make sure the container is properly closed to
prevent the contents from getting wet or destroyed.

Be inconspicuous in retrieving, signing in, and
replacing a cache to avoid vandalism.

Put the cache back where you found it and hide
it well. Donít move a cache - if you suspect the
cache is not in the intended spot, hide it the best
you can and alert the owner as soon as possible.

Donít collect traveling items meant to stay in
the game. This is tantamount to stealing.

Donít tamper with or involve a game piece in
"alternate" games without the ownerís permission.

Last Update: May 1, 2005

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